Singer Nicole Evans, winner of last year’s Ohio’s Got Talent regional contest at the West Jefferson Ox Roast, is among the musicians who will perform at this year’s Young Artist Showcase in Mount Sterling.
(Posted Jan. 14, 2016)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
The Young Artist Showcase is a win-win when it comes to local entertainment.
School-age musicians get a chance to display their talents. The public gets to enjoy a quality program at no charge. The longstanding Madison County Arts Council tradition takes place at 3 p.m. Jan. 24 at Mount Sterling United Methodist Church, 110 S. London St.
“The showcase is an opportunity for kids to express themselves,” said Valerie Peart, event chairperson and Arts Council co-treasurer.
While youths have opportunities to perform in choir or band in school, “They don’t always have a chance to do a solo or play in a small ensemble in front of their peers and family…The showcase is a place for them to show off for a minute,” Peart said.
The showcase also serves as a way for youths from different parts of the county to meet one another and talk about their common interest—music. The Arts Council opens participation in the showcase to school-age students who attend any school in the county or who are home-schooled.
This year, approximately a dozen young vocalists and instrumentalists will perform. Peart said the program includes pieces featuring voice, piano, trombone, flute and guitar. Several participants will play pieces they are preparing for the Ohio Music Education Association’s Solo & Ensemble contest slated for mid-February.
“It should be entertaining and fun,” Peart said of the showcase.
A freewill offering will be taken to benefit the Arts Council. Formed in 1997, the non-profit organization is dedicated to providing and fostering education and entertainment through the sponsorship and presentation of the performing and visual arts in Madison County.
